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March 2024
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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That's a Wrap on the 2024 SARM Annual Convention
If you missed anything during convention, you can review all three days using the provided links, or visit SARM's YouTube channel.
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SARM Annual Convention on YouTube
Live Stream Links:
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Enjoy some of the candid photos from this year's convention and trade show below. | |
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RM Directory on SARM's Website
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details. This is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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Thank you for making MAMP4 a success!
Asset Management Saskatchewan
After 2 years of funding training in Asset Management, FCM's MAMP4 project came to an end February 29th of 2024.
AM-SK had the privilege of training close to 700 participants over 7 provinces during that time, and with great success!
Because of that success, AM-SK wanted the CES, the TLP and the SOTIR to remain available for free for the foreseeable future, to continue to help build asset management awareness and technical capacity.
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SCIC Coverage for Livestock Producers
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has programs for livestock producers to help mitigate risks experienced on operations. As a producer, you know the risks you want to protect against. We can work together to find coverage best suited for your needs.
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March 31, 2024, is the deadline to apply, reinstate, cancel or make changes to your Crop Insurance contract. Contact your local SCIC office to learn more about coverage best suited for your operation. | |
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The Environmental Management and Protection (General) Regulations - Red Tape Survey
The Ministry of Environment and the Water Security Agency are conducting a Red Tape Reduction review of The Environmental Management and Protection (General) Regulations and its associated policies, procedures, forms, permits, standards and licenses. The ministry is looking for your feedback.
Finding ways to reduce red tape is one of the most important measures a government can take to help promote and support a vibrant economy. A good regulatory environment helps Saskatchewan businesses innovate, grow and remain competitive. Because of this, the ministry is seeking your help to reduce red tape in Saskatchewan.
Red tape is not always easy to define and isolate. Some examples of red tape include:
- Rules that significantly exceed government’s mandate to protect public health, safety, well-being and the environment (i.e. over-regulation).
- Regulation that exceeds the benefit achieved from the regulation.
- Paperwork that is burdensome, unnecessary or ineffective.
- Rules that are unclear, confusing or overly complex.
- Rules that are outdated, not relevant, obsolete or not enforced.
- Rules that rely too heavily on penalties as a deterrent, instead of creating incentives to change.
- There is no clear explanation or reason for the rule.
Please have feedback submitted by April 5, 2024.
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Government Calls for Public Representatives on Councils of Self-Regulating Health Professional Organizations
Saskatchewan residents who want to make a difference in health care have the opportunity to serve on a number of health professional councils.
The Ministry of Health is seeking motivated people to fill important volunteer public representative positions on 26 self-regulating health councils in Saskatchewan. Closing date for submission of resume's is March 31, 2024.
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Self-regulating health professional organizations include the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals, the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists, and many others.
Saskatchewan residents interested in serving on a council should submit a resume outlining their community involvement and volunteer activities, along with relevant education and employment experience to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Partnerships, Privacy and Legislative Services Branch, 3475 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4S 6X6, or email rbayliss@health.gov.sk.ca.
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Public Engagement on the 2035 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target
To create a future with a clean, healthy environment and a strong economy for people living in Canada, the Government of Canada is working with Canadians to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
Environment and Climate Change Canada recently launched a public engagement process to hear the opinions of Canadians and Indigenous peoples across the country to inform setting Canada's 2035 national greenhouse gas emissions target. This important step is mandated under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and Canada’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement.
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The 2023 Progress Report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published in December 2023, demonstrates that Canada’s climate plan is working, and that the emissions curve is bending. In addition to the federal government, other partners, stakeholders, provinces, territories, and municipalities across Canada are helping drive down emissions.
To help inform the government’s work in setting the 2035 target, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is inviting Canadians to share their views on the virtual public engagement platform, Talking Targets: Canada's Climate Future, which is open until March 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (PDT). The input collected through this engagement process is one of several components that need to be considered when setting the 2035 target.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - April 2024
View the SARM Interactive Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current.
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Deadlines
April 1:
- To receive notification of proportioned assessment for separate and public school divisions
- To forward Auditor's Statement to SMHI
April 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
April 15:
- Submit CRA source deductions
April 30:
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To apply for crop exemption with SMHI
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: April 18
- Committee Meeting: April 23
- Board Meeting: April 24-25
Monthly Reminder(s)
- Budget should be prepared and adopted as soon as practical each year
- During April & May council can consider applications for withdrawal of lands as shown on lists supplied by SMHI
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- 2024 SUMA Convention: March 14-17
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Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative | |
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The TSS Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support municipalities on projects that focus on partnerships, planning, and collaboration. Projects are offered 75 per cent of the project’s eligible costs to a maximum amount.
The TSS Steering Committee will be accepting applications for funding starting April 1, 2024.
To help prepare, applying municipalities are encouraged to:
- Ensure they have at least one community partner.
- Obtain a formal letter of support from council with a resolution number.
- Obtain a formal quote from an independent supplier(s).
Additional information will be available on saskatchewan.ca when the application intake is open.
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STARS Radiothon: Critical Care on the Air
April 9-10, 2024
Call the Viterra Lifeline at 1-877-507-8277 or visit criticalcareontheair.ca.
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RIRG Program Updates
The Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program is a Ministry of Highways funded program, administered by SARM, and governed by a Program Management Board, which is made up of voting representatives of both organizations.
Feedback from RMs:
The RIRG Program Management Board received feedback from rural municipalities that the timing of intakes has been out of sync with the budgeting and planning cycles of rural municipalities. This has made it difficult for rural municipalities to plan their projects effectively. The RIRG Program Management Board also received feedback that project announcements have sometimes been released too late in the spring or summer to complete the construction in that season. This adds frustration and unnecessary delays to project completion timelines.
To address these legitimate concerns, the RIRG program is moving to a standardized application intake and project announcement schedule that is intended to align with RM budgeting and planning cycles, as well as the cycles of the Provincial Government.
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Updates:
- The next RIRG program intake for road, bridge, and large diameter culvert projects will open in early September 2024 and remain open until mid-November 2024.
- It is intended that the project announcement by the Minister for these applications will take place in January 2025.
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These changes will allow the rural municipalities to plan their projects during their budget season and have the best opportunity to know well in advance when intakes will be happening.
The final out-of-sync announcement of the projects applied for in 2023 will take place in March of 2024. After this, the new schedule will be followed.
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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
The new program year for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will begin on April 1, 2024. Funding is in place until March 31, 2028. Program details and forms will be posted on the SARM website in the coming weeks.
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USask Research Team Growing Rural Memory Clinics in Saskatchewan
Dementia diagnosis and care close to home for rural residents: that’s the goal of Dr. Debra Morgan and Dr. Julie Kosteniuk with the Rural Dementia Action Research (RaDAR) team located in the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH) at the University of Saskatchewan. Memory clinics have been established in 9 southeast Saskatchewan communities to date. The RaDAR team hopes to bring memory clinics to more rural communities.
“We’re looking to work with existing primary health care teams led by either a nurse practitioner or a family physician who want to provide team-based interprofessional care for dementia. We work with them to incorporate the team members available in each community such as home care, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, dietitian and the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan,” says RaDAR team lead, Dr. Debra Morgan. “This team-based approach is the gold standard for dementia diagnosis and care.”
Rural memory clinic teams benefit from resources and ongoing support from RaDAR. Supports include EMR templates for patient assessments, shadowing opportunities, peer mentorship, training and continuing education opportunities.
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Patients and families benefit from interdisciplinary care in their rural home community, from familiar clinicians, without the burden of travel.
“RaDAR Rural Memory Clinics are a Saskatchewan-made solution tailored to address the needs of rural Saskatchewan residents, and we’re so pleased with the positive feedback we’re hearing from current teams,” notes Dr. Kosteniuk.
The RaDAR team also operates the specialist Rural and Remote Memory Clinic in Saskatoon which offers additional supports for rural memory clinics, as well as assessments and interventions for patients with complex dementia and their families.
With over 20 years of experience, the RaDAR team at CCRAH is committed to supporting dementia care for people living in rural Saskatchewan.
If your community health care team would like to learn more about setting up a RaDAR-supported rural memory clinic, email Dr. Morgan at debra.morgan@usask.ca or call 306-966-7905.
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Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
- Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
- Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
- Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers attended 3 major conventions in the province including SARM and SUMA, was present and active at 13 tradeshow and community events many of them multi-day events, and met with representatives and officials at Rural, Urban, and First Nations locations on 9 occasions to present and discuss the benefits of Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers in their communities.
The program continues to have a successful social media presence with unsolved crimes posted to our website and a following of 44,000 to the program’s Facebook page with a success rate of 54% for all crimes that are posted to the page.
Program Results
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Donate to Crime Stoppers
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers acknowledges the tremendous financial support from all sponsors and encourages Rural and Urban municipalities to consider a $200 donation to the program in their annual budget.
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Saskatchewan Guide to Private Well and Water Management
This guide is primarily intended to support private well water users in rural Saskatchewan and the management of private wells and source water for the purpose of protecting human health and agriculture in Saskatchewan. This guide also provides useful guidance for small scale regulated water treatment operators, community well users, and First Nations. Private wells used for domestic purposes are found throughout rural Saskatchewan on farms and acreages but also small communities, resort villages and cabins. The guide contains source water protection strategies and well stewardship actions that can be applied to both regulated and unregulated water sources.
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The Security of Loads Regulations Changes
Based on earlier consultations, the ministry recently updated The Security of Loads Regulations to enhance clarity and better align with the National Safety Code Standard 10 for cargo securement. The regulations have been updated to address public and industry concerns about bulk cargo not being properly secured, leading to broken windshields and other driving hazards.
Effective June 1, 2024, bulk loads not fully contained will require covering by a tarp or other appropriate material that cannot be dislodged during transport.
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(1) Any portion of a load of bulk cargo that is carried by a vehicle on a highway and not fully contained by the vehicle or a load container must be covered with a covering that meets the requirements of subsection (2). | | | |
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(2) A covering required by subsection (1) must:
a) be made of tarpaulin, canvas, wire mesh, netting or another material capable of containing the load within the vehicle or load container; and
b) be secured to the vehicle or load container in such a manner that it cannot separate from the vehicle or load container.
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(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a vehicle used:
(a) to collect refuse while the vehicle is being loaded or being moved during loading;
(b) to carry sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, salt, or a mixture of them to a location where the load will be applied to the road surface in winter highway maintenance by or on behalf of the ministry or a municipality;
(c) to apply sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, salt, or a mixture of them to the road surface in winter highway maintenance by or on behalf of the ministry or a municipality;
(d) for construction work within the limits of a construction project on a public highway; or
(e) to conduct snow removal services for the Government of Saskatchewan, a municipality, city, town, village, hamlet, or a regional park and is travelling on a public highway with a lawful speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour or less
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A copy of The Security of Loads Amendment Regulations can be found below. | |
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is keeping everyone updated on the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan with this infographic highlighting key areas of success. | | |
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The following RM’s have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246, Grader Operator, Mar 28 - Close
RM of Lacadena No. 228, Seasonal Equipment Operators, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Heart's Hill No. 352, Equipment Operator, Apr 3 - Close
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, Seasonal Mower/General Operator, Apr 5 - Close
RM of LeRoy No. 339, Heavy Equipment Operator/Class 1A Driver, Apr 5 - Close
RM of Pleasantdale No. 398, Working Foreman, Apr 14 - Close
RM of Coteau No. 255, Grader Operator, Apr 18 - Close
RM of Coteau No. 255, Seasonal Grader Operator, Apr 18 - Close
RM of Senlac No. 411, Grader Operator/Labourer, Apr 30 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Caron No. 162, For Sale: 2017 Grader, Mar 28 - Close
RM of Lakeside No. 338, For Sale: 2018 770GP John Deere Motor Grader, Apr 20 - Close
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, For Tender: 2007 Castleton Belly Dump Trailer, Apr 30 - Close
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If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca
Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.
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We are excited to share with you that Warfarin is now available
and in stock!
To get your order in a timely manner, place your order with Ecopest as soon as possible. Please send your orders to products@ecopest.ca.
Order Details:
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Package: 24 x 1 lb bags/case
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Cost: $92.50/case plus tax and shipping (Volume discounts if you order 25 cases or more will be $2 discount per case)
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High Interest Savings Account (HISA)
SARM has partnered with CIBC Commercial Banking to bring our members a pooled High Interest Savings Account (HISA). HISA offers a competitive interest rate, secured principal, and the ability to move your money at any time without penalty, regardless of the amount invested. Your deposits are held in your own account.
Visit the SARM website for more information regarding the enrollment process.
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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
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Webinar
Violence in the Workplace: New Policy & Prevention Plan Requirements
The provincial government has legislated that as of May 17, 2024, all employers in Saskatchewan must have violence in the workplace prevention policies in place that include:
- A commitment to minimize or eliminate risk
- Identification of worksites
- Identification of staff positions
- Procedure to inform workers of the nature and extent of the risk from violence
- Actions to minimize or eliminate risk
- Violent incident reporting procedure
- Documenting and investigation procedure
- Recommendations or post-incident counseling or consultation with physician
- Commitment to training
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Winter 2024 Modules
– Registration Closes April 1st
Registration for the April modules closes on April 1, 2024. Spaces are limited and filling up fast!
The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules or workshops developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. The modules target specific issues of importance to urban, rural and northern municipalities. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership.
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Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
Get to know how Council and staff plan for municipal success. Everything from setting strategic priorities and community engagement to developing action plans and the financial framework to achieve the desired outcomes.
This interactive and engaging session will see participants gaining insight into how to move from Thought to Action with tips and tools to make sure everyone is aligned and committed to common goals. This module will provide attendees with an overview of financial planning – the budget process, with a focus on where the money comes from. Learn about the relationship between assessment and taxation, tax tools, municipal borrowing and investments and an intro to asset management.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, Regina
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Municipal Economic Development Fundamentals
This module helps find answers to key questions about economic development – what is economic development, who are the players, what role can the municipality play and what are the returns? The course objectives will assist participants to develop an understanding of economic development principles & theories; review the context for economic development; discuss concerns and problems common to economic development in Western Canada; and introduce processes and skills applied in economic development.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, Regina
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Strategic Communications for Municipalities
Formerly known as Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities, this module teaches how to effectively communicate with your ratepayers as well as the media. Learn how to become proactive. Special tips will be given on public speaking and techniques used by print, radio, television, and other media.
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, Regina
| *Dates are subject to change. Spaces are limited – register today! | | |
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Developing a Safety Plan
Do you have a Safety Manual? Does your RM have a culture of safety?
You know that you need to have a manual, as per the Saskatchewan Employment Act, but you don’t know where to start. Southeast College can help you create a customized safety plan that meets your organization's specific needs and complies with OH&S, security, and safety standards.
The safety plans are tailored to the specific needs and goals of each organization, based on site visits, assessments, and consultations. We will visit your site to assess your risks, identify training gaps, and design a comprehensive safety plan just for your RM.
You will receive 2 hard-copies of the safety plan, along with an USB containing your manual. This enables you to make edits and changes to the safety plan as you move forward. The manual contains your safety program, policies, and procedures, ensuring you are compliant with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
If your RM works with another RM or urban municipality, and you share equipment, facilities, or more, we can work with you to develop a combined safety manual to serve both organizations.
To get more information and a quote, contact our Business & Program Development Consultants at Consultant@southeastcollege.org or call 1-866-999-7372. We will also be at the annual SARM Convention, please stop by our booth to discuss further!
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Safe Gravel Travel provides an overview of safety best practices when it comes to travelling on graveled roadways. Safe Gravel Travel has also been added as an industry course for those enrolled in Career Safety Education.
Register Today for these and other free training programs.
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Rural Saskatchewan is Desperate for Health Care Support. Immediate Action is Needed, Starting with Reinstating the Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioner Program. | | |
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SARM Calls for More Education and Supports for Municipal Leaders | | | |
SARM’s 119th Annual Convention & Trade Show Begins Next Week at REAL District | | |
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SARM Responds to the 2024-25 Provincial Budget Announcement | | | | |
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Members of the SARM Board attending the 2024-25 provincial budget announcement at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina. | | |
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That’s a wrap on #SARMAnnual2024! Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a success. | | |
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SARM President Ray Orb stopped by The Evan Bray Show on March 6thto speak on the rural health care crisis, policing shortages, and carbon emission reduction in Saskatchewan. | | | | |
